Expert Tips

Each poppy seed measures less than 1/16 inch in diameter. It takes about 900,000 of them to make 1 pound!

Fluted tube cake pans can be a challenge to grease. Try this: Place a dab of shortening on the outside of a small plastic sandwich bag. Slip the bag on your hand, and rub shortening on the inside of the pan. Repeat with more shortening until every nook and cranny is greased. Give the inside of the pan a good dusting with flour, shake the excess from the pan, and your baked cake will slip right out!